Pan: Headlight Switch headache

The switch will be heated by the dash light dimmer if that isnt set to max. Especially if somebody earths the dash light output tag or overloads it. In which case as you set the dimmer to max it will expire in a puff of smoke.

Check the wiring first.

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Cheers. Although i’ve read about dimming the dash I’ve never seen on mine that it is possible. I’ll look in to it more though. Thanks.

Thanks for all the help so far
Finally wired my new Headlight Switch in accordance with previously posted diagrams. All seems great, however some issues/questions remain:

•Terminal #56 still gets red hot when headlights are on, but not just with sidelights (dimmer doesn’t seem to alter this)
•#30 shows a split Red 0.5 wire going to dash, but I don’t have that nor know where on the dash it goes to or what it’s for
•With no #57 on the switch, how do I wire in the Parking Light Warning light on the dash?
•Can my RPM bulb, which is a T4W bulb, piggy back #58b and just take an earth from it somewhere?

I got around the escutcheon nut issue by filing down the sides to use an adjustable spanner in future...

If #56 is still getting hot and you have cleaned and tightened it perhaps the wire is not tight in the crimp connector itself, just a thought,
A

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Thanks for that.
I haven’t actually cleaned and tightened it, so i’ll try that tomorrow first.
Did chase it back to the fuse and all seems ok that end.
I noticed that it only gets hot when the ignition is engaged (not necessarily with engine running). So it’s fine without any power going through the ignition.

Another triumph of will over wiring...or in this particular case, a tiny piece of plastic.
It was greatly annoying me that for some reason my High Beam dash light was pathetic. Tried wires, connectors, bulbs, fuse etc to no avail. Eventually decided to take dash apart to see if anything was hindering the illumination. Sure enough, a small piece of plastic...
Purposely cut to fit but lord knows why so took it out and let there be light...

Good find! I’ve often wondered the same thing but couldn’t be arsed to investigate.
Why would they do that?!

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'73 Westy Continental, 90% original interior (except '70's custom curtains my mum made ) lowered a bit, Gaz coilovers front, Monroe air adjustables rear, DellOrto carbs, some security features!
Owning an old bus is a bit like making love to a beautiful woman. First you have to stand back and admire the classic lines and curves, run your hands over the rear flanks, then before you start her up you need to go down on your knees and fettle around with her rear end, make sure she's properly lubricated. Now you're ready to get in the driver's seat and take control. Put your key in the slot, turn her over and tickle the gas until she starts to purr. Once she's warmed up a little, shift the gear lever into first and treat her gently until she's running smooth.... change gear with care, listening for any warning sounds as you go, ease her around firmly but carefully, talking soothingly as you go. And never ever put her in reverse without coming to a complete stop first.

Good find! I’ve often wondered the same thing but couldn’t be arsed to investigate.
Why would they do that?!

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If I don’t make it to Techenders we will know that the piece of plastic is actually an integral part to the functionality of the whole machine. Maybe I should pack it just in case.
If yours is the same as mine it is well worth the few minutes taking it out. Still isn’t bright enough, nor the rest of the Dash, to see in daylight though.

I suspect that little blue light will now be blinding at night, the mask is to only allow enough light to be emitted so you know the main beam is on. Of course that was 40+ years ago, with shiny new bulbs and brand new cable, things may be a little dimmer now.

I used to have "don't lift, drift" as my signature on an MX5 forum, I guess that's not appropriate here................

I suspect that little blue light will now be blinding at night, the mask is to only allow enough light to be emitted so you know the main beam is on. Of course that was 40+ years ago, with shiny new bulbs and brand new cable, things may be a little dimmer now.

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Interesting. Thanks. I thought it must have served a purpose, but as you say, 40 years have passed and its new purpose was to hinder my ability to see it was on haha
Cheers for the info.